The Earl of Huntingdon's Arched Doorway

Clement McCallin as the Earl of Huntingdon

In this rare still from Walt Disney's Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952), we see the Earl of Huntingdon, portrayed by Clement McCallin (1913-1977).

Film writer Lawrence Edward Watkin (1901-1981) introduced an intriguing twist to the legend by making Maid Marian’s father the Earl of Huntingdon. Traditionally, this title was linked to Robin Hood himself, dating back to Tudor times and the two plays by Anthony Munday,  The Downfall of Robert Earl of Huntingdon and The Death of Robert Earl of Huntingdon, both written around 1598.

The Earl of Huntingdon leaves for Nottingham Castle

In those stills above, the Earl of Huntingdon, portrayed by Clement McCallin, stands before an elegant arched doorway.

I am sure this doorway is based on the highly decorated Norman west door at Southwell Minster in Nottinghamshire, England. This remarkably preserved Romanesque church architecture (below) dates between 1108 and 1150 and must have influenced Walt Disney's production crew.

The West Door of Southwell Minster

Disney’s production crew, including producer Perce Pearce, scriptwriter Lawrence Edward Watkin, historical advisor Dr Charles Beard, art director Carmen Dillon, and Richard Todd, visited Nottingham City Library, Nottingham Castle, Edwinstowe, Sherwood Forest, including Robin Hood’s Larder (now gone) and the Major Oak, Ollerton, Creswell Crags, Nottingham’s Caves, the Salutation Inn, Trip to Jerusalem Inn and Newstead Abbey. Their quest was to bring the REAL story of Robin Hood to the screen.

Dr Charles Beard was a historical scholar and used as an advisor on 'the mode, manners and customs of medieval England'. His knowledge and guidance, no doubt, influenced Carmen Dillon's art department to produce the Norman doorway at Denham Studios.

Maid Marian and her Father

Clement McCalin and Joan Rice

My last two posts have featured the actors Clement McCallin (1913-1977) and Joan Rice (1930-1997), who both appeared in Disney’s live-action film, The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men (1952). Here is a lovely movie still of both of them together. 

Clement McCallin only had a small role as the Earl of Huntingdon, Maid Marian’s father, which is unfortunate, because I believe more could have been added to his story. But, Joan’s Maid Marian played an integral part in the whole film. As Sherron Lux says in her paper, And ‘The Reel’ Maid Marian, it is misleading to call the film ‘The Story of Robin Hood’, as it should be ‘Marian’s Story’ .

In Disney’s first film version The Story of Robin Hood, Joan’s portrayal of Maid Marian stands in sharp contrast to earlier, and even many later versions of the legend. She is bright and courageous. Which was groundbreaking for the time. Maid Marian defies the Queen, disguises herself as a page and escapes to the outlaw camp. She then initiates her own campaign to raise money for the kings ransom. For her trouble she gets locked up in a damp dungeon, but ultimately proves Robin’s loyalty to the king. It’s a pity Disney didn’t consider a sequel! 
What do you think?

Hal Osmond & Clement McCallin

We have seen several collections of memorabilia from Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men, owned by fans of the movie. The images below, have been kindly sent in by regular contributor John Nelson. They show the signatures of two stars of Disney’s wonderful live-action movie.

The Signature of Hal Osmond

Above is the signature of Hal Osmond (1903-1959) in 1946. Hal played the role of mischievous Midge the Miller for Disney in Robin Hood.

Hal as Midge the Miller

Below are a few more photographs from John's collection. These  show Clement McCallin (1913-1977) in a production of The Maid of the Mountains. This was performed at the Globe Theatre, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, from November 12th to 17th 1951. 

The filming of Disney’s Robin Hood had by this time finished at Denham Studios in Buckinghamshire. Clement McCallin had starred as Maid Marian’s father, the Earl of Huntingdon. Now, Clement was appearing on stage as Baldasarre in The Maid of the Mountains.

Clement as Baldasarre

Clement as the Earl of Huntingdon 

To learn more about these two wonderful actors, just click on the labels below or in the task bar.

Clement McCallin and Joan Rice

Clement McCallin

Above is a rare publicity shot from Walt Disney's live-action film The Story of Robin Hood and his Men Men (1952). It was recently available on-line and shows Clement McCallin (1913-1977) as the Earl of Huntingdon and Joan Rice (1930-1997) as his daughter Maid Marian. 

The press information attached to the still says:

Clement McCallin as the Earl of Huntingdon, life long friend of King Richard the Lionheart, and Joan Rice as his daughter Maid Marian, in Walt Disney's all-live-action Technicolor production "Robin Hood". The film which stars Richard Todd in the title role, is produced by Perce Pearce at Denham Studios for world distribution by RKO Radio.

There is hundreds of images from the movie on this site and many can be seen in the Picture Gallery here .

84 pages on the life and career of Joan Rice can be accessed by clicking on her name above and in the task bar.

Clement McCallin and Joan Rice